Best drink driving ad… ever?

I’m really enjoying this ad, newly released by the New Zealand Transport Authority. It’s a departure from their usual shock value ads – and other attempts into this territory have fallen flat (Google “mantrol” and “manis”) – but they seem to have struck it right with this one.

“Bro, Monique says you’re dumb”

“Puzzle time!”

“You know I can’t grab your ghost chips”

“I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head”

Music is by Franklin Road Studios, especially for the ad. The main actor is Darcey-Ray Flavell (who you may recognise him from Boy). The agencies are Sweet Shop and Clemenger BBDO – you bloody legends.

UPDATE: There’s now a Ghost Chips song – it’s by The Cuzzies and here’s the official video:

Before you ask where you’ve seen that guy before, it’s Jermaine Leefe, who used to be a VJ on C4.

I think the language and the tone of these ads will really catch a lot of people’s attention – and whilst there is a bit of humor in there, the message is clear. And it doesn’t hurt to take a bit of time to encourage kids to think for themselves and not be embarrassed at standing up to their mates.